
How to Repair a Lamp Shade
- Vacuum the lamp shade with a soft brush attachment to remove all dust and dirt. Examine the section where the lamp has come unglued.
- Pour a small amount of white glue onto a paper plate. Moisten the paintbrush and brush 1/4 inch along the edge of the fabric or paper.
- Remove old tape around the top or bottom ring of a shade if it has become damaged, stained or is no longer in good shape.
- Measure and cut contrasting color 1/2-inch bias ribbon to fit around the ring, using a measuring tape and scissors.
- Measure grosgrain ribbon if you cannot find a bias tape in the color you want. ...
- Repair a torn shade by cutting a small amount of onionskin paper the size and shape of the tear (the shade material must be intact).
How do you repair a lampshade?
You will require the following items in order to repair a lampshade: Pull the shade first from the lamp and set it aside. Remove any grease or grime from the body of the lampshade by wiping it down with a soft cloth after cleaning it. Wipe the top and rear of the shade with a damp cloth.
Can you paint over stained lampshades?
Stains can be painted over with acrylic paints. Lampshades aren't difficult to repair. Lamp shades deteriorate over time. The most problems are seams coming unglued or missing tape. Heat causes this over time.
How do you hang a lamp shade on fabric?
Position your lamp about 1 in (2.5 cm) from the edges of the fabric. Carefully set your shade down on the fabric, about 1 in (2.5 cm) from the edge, top, and bottom. If you're recovering a tapered shade, make sure you match the top of the shade to top of the fabric and the bottom of the shade to the bottom of the fabric.
What to do with old lamp shades?
If you’re looking for ways to update your living space, or just want to update a garage-sale find, consider recovering old lamp shades. Clear a large work space and then remove any decorations from the old shade.

Can you repair a lampshade?
To give an old lampshade a new touch, replace the trim with a fresh style using pressure-sensitive cloth tape and craft glue. Apply the tape around the top and bottom perimeter, folding it over to cover the inside edges as well.
How do you repair a ripped lamp shade?
DirectionsRemove the shade from the lamp and use your scissors to trim off the damaged part.Measure around the lamp to see how much ribbon you'll need. ... Hot glue the ribbon around the edge of the lamp. ... It's time to make your embellishment! ... Hot glue your embellishment right over the spot where the ribbon meets up.
How do you restore a lampshade?
4:227:21How to Recover a Lamp Shade with Fabric - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEspecially around the edges which have to be folded around the lampshade. Right after you sprayedMoreEspecially around the edges which have to be folded around the lampshade. Right after you sprayed then you want to just fold over the one edge to create a very small hem. And then spray the hem.
What glue do you use to recover a lampshade?
0:191:43Gluing Fabric on Custom Lamp Shade - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe best product to use for this project is a spray adhesive it's relatively inexpensive. And youMoreThe best product to use for this project is a spray adhesive it's relatively inexpensive. And you can find it at any hardware. Store now there is a downside to spray adhesive.
Can you use hot glue on a lampshade?
A discolored, damaged or boring lampshade can be re-covered with a no-sew technique using a hot glue gun. Lampshades come in a wide assortment of shapes, so making a paper pattern for your shade before cutting the fabric is a crucial step.
How much does it cost to recover a lampshade?
With so many options, it's helpful to have advice from people at a full-service lamp store. Vasilas said relining can cost $75 to $200, with an average of about $85.
What material can you use for a lampshade?
There are four broad categories of lampshade materials: silks, synthetics, linens, and cotton. Silk is the fabric of luxury.
How do you put fabric on a lampshade?
2:4813:31How to Cover a Lampshade in Fabric - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEnds i'm just using this flexible ruler which is almost puts a line at a half inch. And i'm liningMoreEnds i'm just using this flexible ruler which is almost puts a line at a half inch. And i'm lining it up with our line that we struck on the fabric. So we can add a half inch to this edge. And that
What is fabric glue?
Fabric glue is a liquid adhesive specifically formulated for repairing and mending flexible materials such as vinyl seats, cushions, clothing, tarps, and outdoor gear. Since it is flexible, it is ideal for use on materials that are constantly bending, stretching, and changing positions.
What are the parts of a lamp shade called?
A lamp harp is the component of a lamp to which the lamp shade is attached.
Is it safe to cover a lampshade with fabric?
Select a fabric that can be ironed; otherwise, it won't look smooth when you adhere it to the styrene. Do not use synthetic fabrics or some types of thin silk that can discolor from the heat of the iron or the heat of the bulb.
What are the parts of a lamp shade called?
A lamp harp is the component of a lamp to which the lamp shade is attached.
How do you make a homemade lampshade?
0:122:29Make a custom drum lampshade in less than an hour! Make ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's super easy to apply the fabric to the adhesive styrene. And get a smooth professional finishMoreIt's super easy to apply the fabric to the adhesive styrene. And get a smooth professional finish for your lampshade. Next I trimmed the fabric to a half-inch. Around all sides of the styrene except.
How to fix a dented shade?
Hold the over the dented area without touching it. Apply steam to the dent for several seconds. With your other hand inside the shade, push the dented area back to its normal position. Place a towel between your hand and the inside of the shade if it is still hot. Repeat as needed.
How to fix a shade that has come unglued?
Inspect all trimmed areas of the shade, including the seam, looking for areas that have come unglued. Apply glue to loose areas with a narrow tipped craft glue bottle. Apply glue to loose fabric trim with a to othpick if the glue bottle nozzle is too wide to reach between the trim and shade.
Why do lampshade trims fall off?
By Kathy Adams. While a lampshade generally requires little attention other than dusting, over time, maintenance issues arise. Years of heat from a light bulb may cause the trim around the edges and seams of a standard shade to separate or fall off.
How to fix loose fabric trim?
Apply glue to loose fabric trim with a toothpick if the glue bottle nozzle is too wide to reach between the trim and shade.
Can glue get on lampshade?
Use care when working with glue -- glue on your fingers may get onto other areas of the lampshade or your clothing.
Silk Lampshade Repairs
We have repaired many silk shades. There are two primary problems that arise with silk shades.
Hardback Lampshade Repairs
Whereas most silk lampshades can generally be repaired, the same is not true of hardback lampshades. Instead, the only repair that is generally possible on a hardback lampshade is to re-attach a top or bottom ring that has come loose or fallen out.
Procedure for Mending Lamp Shade Liners
Numerous lampshades are constructed with a plastic backing. Which provides additional stability and shape to the lampshade. Some lampshades are entirely constructed of plastic.
Lampshade Relining Instructions
If the liner of your lampshade has been damaged beyond repair, it can be relined.
Final Word
I have covered every aspect of how to repair a lamp shade liner. You should now be able to accomplish it. A pro isn’t required for basic work like this.
How to update a lamp shade?
Clear a large work space and then remove any decorations from the old shade. Use a pencil, tracing paper, and a yardstick or ruler to measure your lamp shade and create a template. Use the template to cut out your fabric. Then spray the fabric with adhesive to attach it to your shade. You can have a brand-new look in no time!
How to get rid of old lampshade?
Using scissors, puncture the old fabric and gently cut sections away from the frame. Make sure you don't cut the liner fabric. You should also remove the old fabric if it's a darker color than the fabric you're using to recover the lampshade.
How to make a lampshade look store bought?
To really make your lampshade look store bought, add a border around the bottom edge of the lamp. Simply use a hot glue gun to stick a thicker piece of fabric along the top and bottom edges of your lamp. You can also add fringe, rickrack or other types of materials to cover the hems on the top and the bottom of the newly covered lampshade.
What to do if a lamp is too heavy?
If the fabric is too heavy, the light from the lamp won't be able to shine through. When you're choosing your fabric, stick to thin fabric like cotton. You can also test the fabric by holding it up to a light and making sure enough comes through. Another thing to keep in mind is the pattern of your fabric.
How to remove old fabric from a shade?
Instead, just remove decorations or ribbons. You can use a pair of small scissors or a sewing blade to cut through ribbon without puncturing the shade. Then, pull it away.
How to draw a tracing on a shade?
If you have a drum or rectangular shade, the top and bottom edges of the tracing should be exactly parallel. Use a yardstick or ruler to draw a line connecting the edges. If you have a tapering pendant shade, the top line will be shorter than the bottom line. Use a yardstick or ruler to connect the edges at an angle.
How to make a lamp cover?
1. Spread the fabric face down on your work surface. Make sure there is no bunching or wrinkling and that the material is completely smooth on the flat surface. You want it to be smooth so that you do not accidentally cut across a wrinkle and end up with an uneven fabric cover for your lamp.

Procedure For Mending Lamp Shade Liners
- Numerous lampshades are constructed with a plastic backing. Which provides additional stability and shape to the lampshade. Some lampshades are entirely constructed of plastic. Lampshades are made of thin plastic that is susceptible to cracking. Even if your lampshade crumbles or breaks, no need to get it replaced. Clear epoxy glue can be used to repair any damage that has o…
Lampshade Relining Instructions
- If the liner of your lampshade has been damaged beyond repair, it can be relined. You need to follow the steps below if you want to reline your lampshade:
FAQs
- Question: Is it possible to adhere to a lampshade with hot glue? Answer:Yes. A hot glue gun can be used to recover a lampshade that is discolored, damaged, or dull. A good lampshade fabric should be light and sturdy. The cover should be made of cotton or linen. Question: Is it possible to put PVA glue on a table lamp? Answer:Yes. Apply the leaves b...
Final Word
- I have covered every aspect of how to repair a lamp shade liner.You should now be able to accomplish it. A pro isn’t required for basic work like this. That’s all I have for the time being. I’ll get back to you with more ideas as soon as I’m able. Until the next time, bye!